King to King: Cavs Have The Edge

With free agency less than a month away, LeBron James told CNN’s Larry King in an interview set to air Friday that the Cleveland Cavaliers have the edge in signing the superstar. The Cavs drafted LeBron out of high school in 2003, and his highness says that growing up in Akron and playing the last seven seasons with the Cavs certainly weighs on him, as far as his highly anticipated decision. However, with multiple titles as his goal, James tells King that he needs to do what is best for him and his family. I assume he means getting far away from Delonte West.

James also weighs in on the secretive “free agent summit” that he will conduct with Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire, admitting that they’re not necessarily trying to figure out a way to play together as much as they’re looking to make the NBA better. For starters, employing referees under the age of 75.

James, a six-time NBA all-star, was named the league’s MVP for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 seasons. He’s averaged 27.8 points per game, and he has helped the Cavaliers to five playoff appearances and one trip to the NBA finals.

But he’s still seeking his first NBA title, and the Cavaliers were bounced from the second round of this year’s playoffs by the Boston Celtics. He told King his goal is to be with a team that can win more than one NBA championship.

Since the Cavs were eliminated from the playoffs, James has, of course, been mentioned with the Knicks, Bulls, Nets, Heat, Mavericks and Clippers as potential suitors. CNN reminds us that President Obama has tossed in his endorsement for LeBron to play in Chicago, while New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has lobbied for James to sign with the Knicks or Nets. Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic has countered by asking, “Why the hell would anyone want to live in New York?” to which Eddy Curry responded, “Well, the food is great.”

LeBron’s other advantage in staying in Cleveland is that he apparently has the power to select the Cavs’ next coach, but with Phil Jackson and Mike Krzyzewski already declining interest, the options are becoming increasingly limited. That is, unless Mike Brown comes through with his plan to wear a fake mustache and apply as Mick Braun. It’s almost crazy enough to work.